ASKING FOR IT – Amelia Shepherd
Written by duckrabbitAmelia is one of students duckrabbit has been lucky enough to teach on the Masters in Photojournalism at LCC (online course). She’s really, very talented because she’s got a sharp eye and is great with people. They are always going to warm to her and it shows in her work.
This is her first crack at multimedia. David would call this piece an ‘Eyecue’, because it is a sort of visual Haiku. It’s a good discipline to crack (she should upgrade to the full version of soundslides though)
Asking for It is a snapshot into a much maligned choice of lifestyle- that of the Traveller.
Seen by some as free spirits and judged by others as free loaders many Travellers would agree there is stigma attached to admitting one is a Traveller. Battling against a system that is perpetually against you seems to be the pay off for the freedom a Travellers lifestyle invites. Instability is exacerbated by the recurrent problems of eviction and harassment.
On the whole illegal sites in Brighton & Hove have been found to be a symptom of the lack of legal places for Travellers and Gypsies to stop. Local councils have studied, reported on and made recommendations for the accommodation, school and health care requirements of local Traveller and Gypsy communities whilst also attempting to asses their needs and aspirations.
Asking for It asks us to really consider some of these issues whilst providing an insightful glimpse into a Travellers actual life as described from within.
Author — duckrabbit
duckrabbit is a production company formed by radio producer/journalist Benjamin Chesterton and photographer David White. We specialize in digital storytelling.
Discussion (2 Comments)
interesting little piece which is full of potential imho.
just for the sake of accuracy though, being a Traveller isn’t usually simply a lifestyle choice. Travelling people in the UK are legally recognised ethnic minorities who are born into their way of life. Most are either Irish Travellers, English Romany Gypsies or Scottish Gypsies. Maybe the lady above is a new age traveller, which is an exception to this rule.
Thanks for your comment Ciara-reading that intro back now I could have explained that better I accept. Its not a choice for some people it just is what it is. My subject is a new traveller and the lifestyle was very much a choice. That came out very strongly in the interviews and might be something I focus on in the future. Cheers, Amelia